[jthuang]

So it's 3 years to get a Randall and 1-2 years to get a Lynn Griffith ... the wait times are enough to drive one batty. Yes good things take time but it doesn't make the wait any easier.

Here's what I've got on order so far:

Randall #14 (ETA Jun 2005)
LG Bowie (ETA Jan 2004)

One guy posted (on another forum) that he orders a Randall on his birthday every year. That way, after the initial 3 year period, he doesn't have to wait more than a year for a Randall. And it usually arrives around his b-day which is a nice treat.

What do you all think of the above idea? I think the idea has merit -- although it's an expensive tactic. :D

[Joe Demko]

When I ordered my #14, the wait on a Randall was about a year. They actually got mine to me in about 9 months. Really, unless you want some non-standard type of features or something truly custom, there is no need to wait for a Randall (or any maker). AG Russell, among other high-end knife dealers, has a standing order with Randall. He, and the other dealers, virtually always have knives in stock. You do pay somewhat of a mark-up, but you have your knife immediately instead of 3 years from now. If what you want is just a maker's standard catalog item, with no mods or other touches to make it unique, why wait?

[jthuang]

I agree on using AG Russell or other Randall dealers for "standard" configurations. I bought my buddy a stag-handled Model 1 for his wedding gift from AG Russell and it was only like $50 more than catalog.

However, I prefer knives with single hilts (as opposed to the double hilts found as "standard" on most of the RMK military knives). I was taught to use the saber grip on knives and the double hilt gets in the way.

My Model 14 is going to arrive (in 2005) with a single nickel silver hilt and single finger grip handle. I have small hands and believe it or not, the standard finger grooves are too widely spaced for me. :mad: So "standard" doesn't work for me on the RMK Model 14.

Now for a nice standard Model 3, I think I could go for that sans modification. :)

[hso]

Have ya'll been over to the Randall Knife Forum at knifeforums http://www.knifeforums.com//ubbthreads/postlist.php?Cat=&Board=UBB23

Rhett Stidham, and others there, can come up with all sorts of variants on standard models and can often get them at nearly the same price as the shop. If you post a "I Wanna" you might find one right away.

[Inspector Callahan]

My #14 is slated for Aug '05 delivery. :banghead: